PM Modi on his helicopter visit to the flood-struck Punjab witnessed the havoc the state is witnessing due to floods and heavy rains. Punjab is currently facing the worst flood crisis it has ever gone through in years. Several people have lost lives, many have been left homeless and all the crop-fields are also damaged. 12 out of 23 districts have been affected by the floods and the state has released more than Rs 10,000 crore to bring the state back to normal.
After witnessing the havoc on the aerial assessment, PM Modi held a meeting in Gurdaspur to address the need of relief operations in the state. Measuring the extended damage to the crop fields, homes and infrastructure, PM Modi asked the Punjab government to work ‘shoulder-to-shoulder’ in such a challenging time.
PM Modi’s Visit
PM Modi’s aerial visit presented the harsh reality of the condition of Punjab. With people crying for help and losing their loved ones, Punjab needed unwavering support and relief operations to help people come out of the pain and trauma. As announced on pib.gov.in,
Prime Minister stated that all assistance under disaster management rules are being made including advance disbursements to the State. He appreciated the efforts of the personnel’s of NDRF, SDRF, Army, State administration and other service-oriented organizations for making efforts in immediate relief and response. The Central government will further review the assessment based on the memorandum of the State as well as the report of the Central teams.
The Assistance Package
PM Modi after hearing the pain and cries of the affected communities of Punjab announced an immediate assistance package of Rs 16,000 crore. This amount will be added to the initial amount of Rs 12,000 crore that the state provided for the disaster management. As per the assistance package:
- 2 lakh will be given to the kin of the deceased and 50,000 rupees to the ones who have been seriously injured in the floods.
- The damaged homes of the people will be re-built under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana- Gramin.
- Broken schools and highways will be restored to normal under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
- Childern who were orphaned due to the floods will be taken care of under the PM CARES for children scheme for a long-term welfare.
In the meeting, PM Modi focused and motivated the state personnel to occupy a multi-dimensional approach to bring back Punjab to its normal condition. PM Modi heard the plea of the affected people calmly and gave them the promise of restoring their state back to normal with lush green fields and happy homes.
Opposition’s reaction
Aam Aadmi Party and Congress leaders called this financial assistance by PM Modi as nothing much. Strong criticism emerged from both the parties who believe that the announced financial package is not enough keeping in mind the extensive destruction. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of the state didn’t hold back. The ₹1,600 crore figure was described by senior leaders as a “token amount” that felt more like an insult than a helping hand, expressing deep disappointment. They argued that the central aid was only a small portion of what was required for a true recovery, citing their own initial damage assessments that showed losses far exceeding ₹20,000 crore.
Positive responses to the aid
Amidst the uproar of opposition against the aid, the announcement has also gained significant gratitude from those on the frontlines of the disaster and from the central government. The prompt release of funds was a concrete indication to many impacted residents and local officials that their issue had been taken seriously at the highest echelons of government. The Prime Minister’s in-person visit and sympathetic interaction with victims were warmly received on the ground.
Conclusion
The financial assistance of Rs 16,000 crore by PM Modi has come in extreme times of need to address the first step in Punjab’s devastation. From clearing debris, providing shelters to offering financial relief to the affected communities, this aid aims to bring back Punjab back to its normal state. Multi-layered efforts will be done by both the central and state government to fully heal the state. This flood disaster in Punjab presents the need to ‘come back stronger.’ In order to protect Punjab from such future calamities, the state must aim to install smart water management systems, strong infrastructure and sustainable agricultural practices to protect Punjab. Recovery of Punjab is now not just about rebuilding homes but also re-establishing livelihoods and safeguarding the future.
